Nonmedical use and abuse of scheduled medications prescribed for pain, pain-related symptoms, and psychiatric disorders: patterns, user characteristics, and management options.

The nonmedical use of scheduled medications commonly prescribed for pain, pain-related symptoms, and psychiatric disorders began rising in the mid-1990s. Physicians are confronted with the dilemma of how to minimize the abuse and diversion potential of these products without compromising access for patients with a legitimate medical need. Using data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, we describe the scope of nonmedical use of opioids, stimulants, and tranquilizers; characteristics of nonmedical users; and options available to reduce abuse liability. In 2003, lifetime prevalence estimates of nonmedical use were 31.2 million for opioids, 20.7 million for stimulants, and 20.2 million for tranquilizers. Nonmedical users of psychotherapeutics were more likely to be Caucasian; use alcohol, cocaine, or heroin; and to use needles to inject drugs than those who reported using illicit drugs only. Sources of diversion are enumerated, and options for minimizing the abuse liability associated with these medications are described.